Congratulations to the Ashville High School Lady dogs junior varsity volleyball team for winning runner-up in the St Clair County tournament.

Special kudos to Talisha Samaniego, Alana Whiteman and Addison Campbell. These young ladies were named to the St. Clair all county team. Way to go, girls. Ashville is proud of you.

Sadly, the AHS football team fell to the wildcats in their homecoming game, however, not by much. JB Potter made an impressive move in the third quarter with an interception and a 90-yard run.

Any seniors interested in having fun at no cost should check out the senior center calendar. They have exercise classes, games and more. They even have karaoke. They will be closed on Columbus Day.

A few years ago, a building in the Prescott community was a vegetable stand during the week and flea market on the weekend. It was particularly known for its tomatoes grown in Springfield.

During the week it was unmanned. Tomatoes were three for a dollar. There was a box to put money in and the sign that said “God is watching you.” The vegetables were always there.

On weekends, it was a flea market. They sold clothes of all kinds, books, pictures, appliances and more. The wares were so numerous it was difficult to navigate.

The other building was a community center. Almost every weekend there was a neighborhood garage sale, baby shower and a birthday or some other kind of party. Every weekend it was something different.

Both buildings have closed and fallen into disrepair.

Growth comes naturally as the population increases. A small town feel requires effort. One way to extend that effort is to patronize, protect and preserve community establishments like these.